PHAGWARA: The defacement of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Phillaur has sparked sharp condemnation from members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, with Harbhajan Suman, President of Ambedkar Sena Moolnivasi, issuing a strong public statement calling for unity and accountability.
In a live video address, Suman compared the SC community’s reverence for Dr. Ambedkar to the Sikh community’s respect for its religious figures, including the Gurus and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. “As much as the Sikh community honors its spiritual leaders, the SC community holds Dr. Ambedkar in even higher regard, ” Suman stated.
His remarks came in response to a recent video by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, leader of the US-based group Sikhs for Justice, who claimed that Article 25(b) of the Indian Constitution refers to Sikhs as "Keshdhari Hindus" — a point Suman disputed, challenging the Sikh community to an open and informed debate on the matter as interpreted by Dr. Ambedkar.
Suman further appealed to pro-Khalistan Sikh leaders and intellectuals to disavow Pannu’s statements. “If Sikh leaders do not oppose Pannu, it will be seen as silent approval, ” he asserted. He emphasized that the SC community has consistently supported the Sikh struggle, particularly in the demand for the release of long-incarcerated Sikh political prisoners, often referred to as “Bandi Sikhs.”
Highlighting past solidarity in regions like Phagwara — where SC, Sikh, and Muslim communities have stood united in times of social and political unrest — Suman urged for continued inter-community harmony. He described “Manuvaad” and “Brahmanvaad” as shared systemic challenges that both communities must resist collectively.
Towards the end of his address, Suman criticized the government and administration for failing to protect public memorials of Dr. Ambedkar. He called upon the SC community to take proactive responsibility in safeguarding such symbols of social justice and equality.